Adjustable Welding Viewing Screens for Flexible Weld Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional welding visibility systems lack flexibility, adaptability, and versatility, often forcing operators into uncomfortable postures and compromising visibility, especially in dynamic or collaborative scenarios, and they fail to provide options for magnification or enhanced visibility.
Innovation Solution
A system with multiple darkening screens housed in adjustable housings that can pivot or rotate, integrated lighting elements, and a flexible support structure, along with sensors and processors for automatic adjustments, allowing independent control and enhanced visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional fixed-position welding visibility systems are used, then operators receive protection from welding light and radiation, but operators are forced into uncomfortable postures and visibility is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic positioning system where the welding visibility system can be moved along tracks mounted on the workpiece. The system includes a carriage that travels along the tracks, allowing the operator to position the welding screen at optimal locations rather than being fixed in one position. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by enabling both operator comfort through optimal positioning and adaptability through movement along the workpiece.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the welding visibility system into separable components: a movable carriage, adjustable screens, and track segments. The track system can be segmented into multiple sections that can be assembled in different configurations along the workpiece. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different workpiece sizes and shapes while maintaining operator comfort through flexible positioning.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional single-user welding screens are used, then individual operator protection is provided, but collaborative scenarios and multiple viewing angles are not supported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the welding visibility system with universal functionality to support both single-user and collaborative scenarios. The carriage can accommodate multiple screens simultaneously, and the track system can be configured to serve multiple operators working at different angles. The system includes features like multiple darkening screens, adjustable positioning, and optional magnification capabilities that make it versatile for various welding configurations, resolving the contradiction between collaborative capability and system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If conventional fixed magnification systems are used, then enhanced visibility is provided, but adaptability to different work areas and precision requirements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic magnification capabilities through adjustable lenses that can be positioned at different locations along the track system. The magnification level can be changed by moving the carriage to different positions or by adjusting the lens configuration. This dynamic approach provides both high visibility precision when needed and flexibility to adapt to different work areas, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are apparatuses featuring a first and second dimming screen, each configured to darken prior to or during a welding operation. The first and second screens are contained in respective housings, connected via a hinge component allowing relative adjustment to position the screens at an angle for viewing of a weld area. Each housing includes a lighting element for illuminating a work area and an electrical connection for power. The apparatus also includes a flexible support structure for adjustably positioning the screens relative to the weld area, a mounting component to secure the apparatus to a surface, and a detachable connector for coupling the housings or their connection point to the support structure.